At approximately 12:15 today, 28 September 2011, a swimmer was attacked by a great white shark at Clovelly corner on Fish Hoek Beach.

Immediate reports indicate that the victim sustained severe injuries and lost his lower right leg as a result of the attack. He has been airlifted to hospital for treatment.

At 10:45 this morning, the Shark Spotters sighted the shark and closed the beach to users. The White Shark Flag was raised and the siren was set off. When the victim entered the water, the beach was still closed and the shark flag indicating the presence of a white shark was flying.

The Shark Spotter stationed on the beach was warned by the Shark Spotter on the mountain that someone had entered the water. The Shark Spotter then ran to Clovelly Corner to try and get the swimmer out of the water, but the attack took place before he could reach him.

The victim of the shark attack was the only person in the water at the time of the attack.

The City’s Emergency Services staff are on the beach providing assistance and the City has closed Fish Hoek beach as well as Glencairn, St. James, and Muizenberg beaches as a precaution. The shark responsible for the attack is still in Fish Hoek bay and is being monitored by the spotters.

4 comments

If a construction site is “Closed” and there is a warning flag up, indicating possible danger. And Foreman suggest you do not enter because of impending danger… and you still walk in there, and a ceiling falls on your head. Whose fault is it?? Maybe get ceiling nets??

good day.
I was listening to Cape Talk and they mentioned a website where one can register and receive for free updates about shark activity and other sea related information.
Do you know about this site, please?

Agreed…
I was there and the sirens did not go off due to power outage as well as whistles not being blown.
Unfortunately the shark incidents are only going to get worse as the whites increase in number.
Afraid to say that we need more than this measure to ensure safety of swimmers and surfers alike.
Shark repelling pods? nets?

Despite all official statements assuring the public that the siren was raised, witnesses on the beach state that the siren did not go off due to the electricity outage. Please provide the public with accurate reporting